By Alfaritsy 
Rory McIlroy secures the career Grand Slam with a dramatic Masters playoff win over Justin Rose, capturing his fifth major title.
McIlroy Wins Masters, Completes Career Grand Slam
Rory McIlroy finally captured the elusive Masters title with a dramatic playoff win against Justin Rose on Sunday.
He sank a decisive four-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to clinch the green jacket.
With this win, McIlroy joins an elite group of only six golfers to complete the career Grand Slam.
Years of Near Misses End in Triumph
McIlroy had played 17 times at Augusta National before finally winning his first Masters.
He admitted he once believed this victory might never come after years of heartbreaking finishes.
“I had wondered whether it might never be my turn,” said McIlroy, overcome with emotion.
Final Round Drama: Lead Changes and Missed Chances
McIlroy lost his solo lead three times during the final round, highlighting the intensity of Sunday’s battle.
He bogeyed hole 13 after hitting into Rae’s Creek, then dropped another shot on the 14th.
However, a birdie at the 15th and an incredible shot at 17 helped him reclaim a share of the lead.
Playoff Showdown With Justin Rose
The playoff began on the 18th hole, where Rose had birdied from 20 feet in regulation.
Rose reached 15 feet from the pin with his second shot, but missed the birdie putt narrowly.
McIlroy, playing second, placed his approach just four feet from the cup and converted it for victory.
Overwhelmed by the Moment
As the putt dropped, McIlroy collapsed in tears, covering his face and dropping to his knees on the green.
“There was a lot of pent-up emotion,” he said, reliving past disappointments and this long-awaited redemption.
He embraced caddie Harry Diamond, then hugged his wife and daughter amidst loud chants from the crowd.
A Victory 14 Years in the Making
McIlroy recalled his infamous collapse in 2011, where he led by four strokes but shot 80 on the final day.
“This was 14 years in the making,” he said, reflecting on the journey that shaped his championship mindset.
His perseverance and growth were evident as he battled through mistakes and mental challenges this week.
Biggest Prize Purse in Masters History
Alongside the green jacket, McIlroy earned a record $4.2 million first-place prize from a $21 million pool.
This is his fifth major title and his third win of the 2025 season, following triumphs at The Players and Pebble Beach.
With 29 career PGA Tour victories, McIlroy’s legacy as one of golf’s greats is now cemented.
Final Scores and Stats
McIlroy finished the tournament at 11-under 277 after a final-round 73, tying with Justin Rose.
Rose shot a stunning 66, with six birdies on his last eight holes, forcing the sudden-death playoff.
Despite shaky moments, McIlroy’s resilience delivered him the one major that had always eluded him.